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Ethiopia, Somaliland Discuss Military Ties Amid Sea Access Deal Tensions
In a move that stoked further regional tensions, Ethiopia’s top military official held talks with his counterpart from the self-declared Republic of Somaliland on Monday, just days after a controversial deal sparked outrage in Somalia.
The January 1 agreement allows Ethiopia, one of Africa’s largest landlocked nations, access to commercial and military ports in Somaliland, including a potential naval base on the Gulf of Aden. Somalia vehemently condemned the deal, calling it an “act of aggression” and a violation of its territorial integrity.
The news of Monday’s meeting between Ethiopian Field Marshal Birhanu Jula and Somaliland’s Maj Gen Nuh Ismael Tani, where they discussed “possible ways to work together,” added to the region’s simmering anxiety. While no details were disclosed, it underscored the deepening military relationship between Ethiopia and Somaliland, further challenging Somalia’s claims over the breakaway region.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognized by the international community, reportedly agreed to lease Ethiopia coastline for the base in exchange for eventual recognition of its independence. Ethiopia, however, has remained ambiguous on this matter, speaking only of “assessing” Somaliland’s quest for recognition.
The deal has ignited a diplomatic firestorm, with Somalia mobilizing its allies, including Egypt and Turkey, to back its stance. Meanwhile, the African Union and the United States have urged caution and dialogue to avoid further escalation.
Adding another layer of complexity, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud travelled to Eritrea on Monday, holding talks with his counterpart Isaias Afwerki. While official statements avoided direct mention of the Ethiopia-Somaliland deal, it’s likely to have dominated the discussions. Eritrea, itself in a long-standing border dispute with Ethiopia, urged a “constructive spirit” to navigate the region’s volatile landscape.
As tensions simmer in the Horn of Africa, Monday’s developments highlight the potential for increased militarization and diplomatic clashes.
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